yahoo email compromised

my email account sent a scam letter requesting money be sent to me in the United Kingdom on Sunday, May 9, 2010. I immediately attempted to change my password but my account said it was in lock down for 24 hours. It still says it is in lockdown for 24 hours this morning.

This has been most embarrassing but more importantly, I want back into my own account. I pay an annual premium for extra space on my email account.